Step-by-step Guide to Move Emails From Outlook PST to MBOX.

Written by Christine Santiago  »  Updated on: June 20th, 2025

Step-by-step Guide to Move Emails From Outlook PST to MBOX.

In the world of email transmission, users usually switch between platforms like Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird. This switching may however be a challenge when the email format is different. PST is a proprietary file format of Outlook, whereas MBOX is a usual file format that could be accessed by some other email systems, such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc. That is why PST to MBOX conversion is essential for users who want to transfer their data without any complications. Maybe you are getting rid of a platform, or you simply need to archive your data in a more convenient form. This blog will tell you everything, down to the very last detail- starting with various ways to copy data manually and ending with what a professional Outlook PST Converter software can do.

What is a PST File?

PST refers to the Personal Storage Table, a file type that Microsoft Outlook utilizes in storing email messages, calendar events, contacts, tasks, etc. It serves as a personal database of the users working in offline mode or of the Microsoft Exchange Server. PST files are strong but are restricted to the Outlook environment and thus, the sharing of files amongst platforms is hard to do.

What is an MBOX File?

MBOX uses several open-source and third-party email programs such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, and Entourage to use standard file formats. In an MBOX file, all the emails are kept in one text file where each message is saved following the keyword Form. Because of its compatibility with several email clients, MBOX is commonly used when migrating Outlook to non-Microsoft email clients.

The Purposes of Conversion of PST to MBOX

Irrespective of the various other uses which users may have to convert their PST files to MBOX, several practical reasons make users choose to do so:

• Platform Migration: Switching between Outlook, thunderbird and Apple mail.

• Improved Accessibility: This is because even though there are many programs that can be utilized to access MBOX files, they are, thus, versatile.

• Data Backup: MBOX can be utilized to hold data backups of archived email messages that any application can read.

• Sharing and Portability: simply available to share with systems not having Outlook.

Applying Manual Approach

Converting PST to MBOX manually means using a middle product such as the Mozilla Thunderbird. Usually the following is the case:

• Install Thunderbird and Outlook in the same computer.

• Set up an email address in the two applications.

• Synchronize data using IMAP by using Outlook and Thunderbird.

• Using the email folders in Thunderbird, copy or move the ones in Outlook.

• Either select the export to MBOX option in Thunderbird or the use of add-ons such as the “ImportExportTools NG.”

Setbacks of Manual Approach

Although the manual approach does not entail involvement of third party software, it also has a number of shortfalls as follows:

• Time-Consuming: Manual move of large data can take a number of hours or even days.

• Complexity: Dedicates numerous tools, set-ups and configurations.

• Possibility of loss of data: The formatting of an email, its attachments, and metadata will be lost in transferring.

• Restricted to Emails: No calendar entries, contacts, tasks and other PST files contents are moved.

• No Batch Converting: You are not able to convert several PST files within one go simply.

Professional Method of Implementing BLR PST Converter Tool

A better option, considering that, is to use a specialized software tool such as the PST Converter Tool to deal with the problem of manual conversion. This is a professional software that makes the whole process easy and also makes sure that your data such as emails, attachments, contacts, calendars etc, is transferred safely and without any errors.

Advantages of professional Outlook PST Converter:

• Batch Conversion: It is possible to convert new backups of more than one PST files in more than one manner.

• Ensures Data integrity: Upkeep of folder structure, metadata and structure.

• Compatible with all outlooks: Compatible with all versions of PST files such as: Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and older ones.

• User friendly interface: few steps, more control.

• Free Preview Wizard: This makes you see the data prior to conversion.

The Important Stages of Working with the PST Converter Tool

Like this, this is the way to convert PST file to MBOX using PST Converter software:

• You can download and install the BLR PST Converter Tool in your system.

• Launch the program and press the menu of importing PST files.

• The tool once incorporated will search through the PST files to show all items of the mailbox.

• Choose the folders and things you need to convert.

• Select the conversion options on the drop down list of output formats and select MBOX.

• Enter your route destinations and press on Convert.

• Once the process is over, your MBOX files will be ready to be imported to your preferred email client.

You can easily move all outlook mailbox to MBOX format with only a few clicks or even open PP files in MBOX without any risks and difficulties of the manual approach.

Conclusion

Converting PST to MBOX may be a requirement whether updating an email client, data backup or multi operating system multi platform management. Although manual solutions exist, they are usually not quite reliable and hazardous in regards to maintenance of data. Converting the files using a powerful and easy to use and an Outlook PST Converter like the PST Converter software is the most convenient way to go about it.

Make transition to the next step with the assistance of the effective tools. Using the PST Converter Tool solution, not only you save your valuable time, but also protect your data during migration. Having some reliable solution to addressing PST to MBOX transformation process, this tool is the most appropriate solution.



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